Cat of the Moon and Water Mexico Alebrije Mystical Cat Sculpture Oaxaca Folk Art Michael Krainer 8 L 38 / 104

8 L 38 / 104

Gently clasped onto your favorite plant’s stem or leaf

color and/or pattern with the natural stone may vary

and a central brass circle that frames a round tiger's eye cabochon

Natural kyanite stones are beaded along the length of this long necklace from Brazil

Cat of the Moon and Water Mexico Alebrije Mystical Cat Sculpture Oaxaca Folk Art Michael Krainer 8 L 38 / 104The moon illuminates a mysterious blue cat, while fish and turtles swim across its body. Invoking the power of the moon and water, Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into an exquisite alebrije. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Cal gypsy word for 'something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic.'